Crete Villa Holidays

Crete is the largest Greek island and the one that rewards longer stays more than any other. It has its own dialect, its own food traditions, its own fierce sense of identity — and enough variety across its 260km length that the east and west coasts feel like entirely different islands.

Where to Stay Chania in the west is the most beautiful town in Greece by most accounts — a Venetian harbour, covered market, and backstreets full of good restaurants. Rethymno along the north coast is similarly charming and less visited. Heraklion is the capital and best as a base for the Minoan sites. Elounda in the east is where the ultra-luxury hotels and villas sit, with private island access. The south coast villages — Loutro, Agia Roumeli, Paleochora — are remote and only accessible by boat or on foot, which is entirely the point.

Beaches Elafonisi in the far west has pink-tinged sand and shallow turquoise water — one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Balos lagoon nearby is similarly stunning but gets very busy in summer. Vai in the east has a natural palm forest behind the beach. The south coast has dozens of quieter beaches accessible by boat.

Things to Do Walk the Samaria Gorge — 16km through the White Mountains to the Libyan Sea, one of Europe's great walks. Visit the Minoan palace at Knossos outside Heraklion, Europe's oldest city. Drive the south coast road between villages. Explore the old town of Chania on foot with no particular plan.

Food & Drink Cretan food is considered the healthiest cuisine in Greece — olive oil, wild herbs, vegetables, fresh fish, and very good lamb. Dakos is the signature starter: barley rusk topped with tomatoes, mizithra cheese and olive oil. The local raki, served free at the end of most meals, is stronger than it looks. Cretan olive oil is among the best in the world — bring some home.

When to Go Crete has the longest season in Greece — April through to November is genuinely viable. July and August are very hot inland but the beaches are at their best. May and October are excellent for walking and exploring without the heat.